National drive launches to find adopters for children who wait the longest for a permanent home.

 

Today, all regional and voluntary adoption agencies across the country have come together to launch a new ‘You Can Adopt’ campaign highlighting the circle of support important to adopters. The campaign comes as new research reveals that over a third (39%) of parents found support from other parents invaluable when raising their child.

The new campaign aims to reach potential parents for children from certain groups that repeatedly wait longest to be adopted (approximately eight months longer*) and sees a series of new films released featuring real life stories from those who have adopted and fostered children, and others who have been adopted themselves. The films spotlight the various means of support available throughout the adoption journey from regional and voluntary adoption agencies, social care workers, charities, employers, friends, relatives, peers, and more.

As part of the campaign, You Can Adopt has united a number of organisations, including John Lewis and Family Fund, to show their support for adopters. A new podcast episode featuring Love Island winner and former children’s social worker Sanam Harrinanan in conversation with an adopter about their adoption journey also goes live today.

• Children over five wait 16 months longer to be adopted from care than children under five.
• Children with a disability wait nine months longer to be adopted from care than children without a disability.
• Children in sibling groups wait seven months longer to be adopted from care than single children.

Black and mixed heritage children wait two months longer than average to be adopted from care, with delays caused because there are not enough Black and mixed heritage adopters coming forward to adopt children from the same background. This is why, as part of the campaign, a specialised recruitment drive will run to encourage Black and mixed heritage people to consider adoption.

To help find parents for these children, the You Can Adopt campaign aims to encourage potential adopters by acknowledging that, while these groups of children will need additional support, the power of family and a permanent home can be transformational for these children, and a circle of support is available to help adopters on this journey.

If you’ve ever considered adopting and want to find out more about the children who wait the longest, find out more at youcanadopt.co.uk.

 

 

 

At Family Care Adoption Services, we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for adoptive families. Looking back on one of our most cherished events, the Post-Adoption Pottery Event, we are filled with joy and gratitude!

 

The event kicked off with an explosion of creativity as children and parents eagerly picked up their paintbrushes and brought their imaginations to life on the blank pottery canvas. From delicate brush strokes to bold splashes of colour, every piece of pottery reflected the unique personalities and artistic expressions of each family member. The shared experience of creating art not only strengthened familial bonds but also fostered a sense of pride and accomplishment.

 

Our Post-Adoption Pottery Event was a celebration of unity and shared experiences. Families came together, forming connections that transcended their individual adoption journeys. The event provided a safe and inclusive space for adoptive parents to exchange stories, offer support and learn from one another. As laughter filled the air and conversations flowed freely, it was evident that the event has become a catalyst for lifelong friendships. These connections extended beyond the event itself, creating a strong network of support for adoptive families in their ongoing journey of parenthood.

 

Our Post-Adoption Pottery Event was a resounding success, and at Family Care we are committed to continuing to organise events that celebrate the strength and resilience of adoptive families, providing spaces where friendships can flourish. Together, we can create a community that supports, uplifts, and cherishes the unique journey of adoption.

 

Applications for this year’s Boardroom Apprentice programme are now open and available on the official Boardroom Apprentice website.

Open to those aged 16 or over from all backgrounds and all abilities, this unique board learning and development programme is looking for a diverse range of Boardroom Apprentices to take a seat at one of the host boards and attend a suite of expertly led learning days throughout the year.

Founded by Eileen Mullan in 2017, the programme is now in its sixth year and has helped 277 individuals across Northern Ireland make their aspiration of sitting on a board a reality whilst helping to diversify boardrooms in the public and third sector.

Eileen Mullan, said: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge and understanding, experience and support. Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector.

“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift. You get the programme as a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”

This year’s programme will run from September 1, 2023 – until August 31, 2024. Applications close at 3pm on Monday June 19.

To apply go the Boardroom Apprentice programme go to boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply

For more information on Boardroom Apprentice go to boardroomapprentice.com